There are no free lunches, or antiviruses

An antivirus software is one of the most important software that a computer should have. If you use the Internet or insert flash drives, CDs, DVDs or any external device, you definitely require a very good antivirus application. It’s essential to know that apart from handling viruses, the software you use must also have a provision for detecting and eliminating malware.

Many, if not most people opt for free antivirus applications, since they do a similar job to the ones that you pay for, and are so freely available on the Internet. However, it is important to note that, although there are some authentic websites offering original software, most of the alluring links lead to fake software or malicious downloads that can cause a lot of harm to your machine. Make sure that you visit and download your antivirus from a dependable and trustworthy website.

Peer-to-peer (P2P), which is a system in which, files are shared files directly between users of the same network, without the help or hindrance of a central server, is growing in popularity. This system is a good way to get free applications for your computer. Apart from being a boon, this way of transferring files and media applications from one computer to the other has its negative effects too. It is very easy to receive viruses and other threatening infections through transfer of files. Being free, there are a lot of takers, but it is recommended that you do not use this method to transfer media files.

Before downloading any free antivirus software, check the website thoroughly and do some investigation. There are a lot of websites (and blogs) that contain reviews and feedbacks (positive and negative) of antivirus products and their websites, which can be of immense help in your investigation.

Do not open a website, just because you saw the words ‘free antivirus download’ or ‘free antivirus software’, as it may contain malicious application that may be dangerous for your computer.